Ask Harp Tech Expert Kinya Pollard

Hello Mr. Harpsmith!

Today I was practicing some reed gapping. I´ve noticed that some of the reeds of my "Hohner Blues Harp" seems "flat" in relation to the cover plates. The harps are 3 or 4 years old, and I play them almost every day. It´s necessary to do some arcing from time to time??  What kind of issues can a "flat reed" cause?? Do you think that I may messed up the reed arcing during the reed gapping process?

Thank you

Hello harpsmith! how are you doing?

I have a question about reed gapping. I´ve been trying to adjust the reeds for some time, and after 6 mounths I think I get it. When I´m practicing and playing by myself at home, the harp plays and bends wonderfully. But when I need to get a little bit louder and agressive on a live session, the reeds starts to choke, especially the blow reeds, wich I adjust to bend more easily, and also some draw reeds too (i dont do overblows/draws). What should I do to make the harp play perfectly on both situations??  What I´m missing??  continue reading...

Happy Holidays Harp Techs! continue reading...

I been working on one of my older harmonicas a Hohner blues bender in the key of C. Trying to see if I could achieve the over blows. In the process of working on this harmonica I broke the 5 hole blow reed. I think I might have fracture the 6 hole blow reed. I think I might have destroyed this harmonica while trying to get the over blows. I was however able to find the 1st hole over blow. continue reading...

Hello Everyone,

If you happen to be on the bottom end of a Jam List, or maybe a guest player with a loud band on their last set ... do yourself a favor and wear ear production. continue reading...

Kinya,

Any word yet as to when Hohner will offer the "Rocket" reed plates?

I too am impressed with the new plates on the Rocket and would

like to retro-fit some Special20s.

Peter

Hi Kinya,

I have an old harmonica that I got from my dad. I tried to repair it as many notes were not working. Now, there is no sound whatsoever from it--the harmonica's not even good for practicing. What should I do with the parts? sell? trash? recycle?

Thanks,

Two quick questions as I get started on your video series.

1) Is the Precision WIHA Pozidrive #1x60mm Screwdriver the only size I'm likely to need when working mostly on Hohner Special 20 harmonicas?

2) I noticed your Special 20 harmonicas have your nickname and the key in white letters on the comb. Is there a source for that?

Thanks!

Hello Kinya, continue reading...

Hi Kinya,

i have been watching the repair videos on tuning etc and much appreciate all your in depth advice. Thank you!

i had a friend pick up an HRT-10 Suzuki tool kit while in japan. its an expensive kit, but my friend owed me for some work, so we did a trade, worked out well.

i love using those tools as they seem to be very precise in punching the holes in the reed plate and reeds, especially since Suzuki uses welded reeds.

i am wondering if that tool kit can be used on other harmonicas other than Suzuki? I used it for my chrome Suzuki G-48.  continue reading...